Nigeria: Abakaliki FC to battle Kwara United in Federation Cup final

The final of the 2025 President Federation Cup is set to be a clash of divisions as Nigeria National League (NNL) side Abakaliki FC, who got relegated to the 3rd division, will lock horns against Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) club Kwara United.

The giant-killers in the NNL, Abakaliki FC, stunned Ikorodu City FC to progress to the final after a scoreless draw was played in normal time in Abuja on Wednesday. The Rice Boys from Ebonyi defeated Ikorodu 5-4 on penalties after their semifinal clash with a controversial final penalty kick from Abakaliki.

Meanwhile, the Harmony Boys of Kwara United defeated six-time cup winners Rangers International in their semi-final encounter played at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena Onikan Stadium. Wasiu Alalade’s strike in the 50th minute secured a historic win for Kwara United.

The North Central finalists had earlier missed clear chances in the first half, with Yahaya Ibrahim and Wasiu Alalade both coming close to giving Kwara the lead.

Rangers turned up the pressure in the dying minutes of the match, but a series of crucial saves by goalkeeper Suraj Ayeleso ensured Kwara United held firm to book their place in the final.

Speaking after the hard fought victory head Coach of Kwara United, Tunde Sanni expressed his elation at leading the club to their first cup final in 49 years, vowing that they will not underestimate Abakaliki FC in the decisive clash: “We’ve worked so hard to get here, and we will give it our all in the final.”

This will be the second time in a row that a NPFL side will trade tackles with a current NNL side in the President Federation Cup finals, as the 2023/24 finals saw the clash of the Warriors as then NNL side El-Kanemi Warriors defeated NPFL side Abia Warriors to be crowned champions.